Yellow Jackets hoping to carry momentum from bowl win into 2013

After a .500 season in 2012, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are hoping to chase another ACC Title in 2013.

One reason for hope: the season-ending Sun Bowl victory over the 2012 preseason number one USC.

Head coach Paul Johnson says he's not a believer that bowl games can do much for the next season though.

"It's certainly positive to end on a good note, and given the choice, you'd much rather win than lose," says Johnson.

That said, Johnson is encouraged about where his team is headed in 2013.

"I think we had a good spring, and I think the attitude and enthusiasm's great," the sixth-year head coach says. "Guys are working hard, so you know we're anxious to get into fall camp."

Maybe another reason for good vibes on the Flats is the 15 returning starters and 18 seniors leading the Jackets.

One of those returning is redshirt sophomore QB Vad Lee, who appeared in 12 games last season, seeing his playing time increase as the year went on.

Lee scored 13 TDs for Tech, with his nine rushing scored ranking second on the team.

Many fans assume Lee is the starter heading into fall camp, but not so fast says Johnson.

"Well everybody seems to think that," he laughs. "I think that our team has a lot of confidence in Vad as the quarterback. But you know there's another young man named Justin Thomas, who we feel like is a really good player as a redshirt freshman. And I think it gives us two really good athletes at that position."

Tech opens their 2013 season at home against Elon August 31.

The Yellow Jackets will know where they stand in the ACC almost immediately, with four of their first five games against ACC Coastal Division foes.